Transfer market: Puerta was offered, but the board didn't open talks | OneFootball

Colombia’s elimination on penalties against Switzerland brought their 2026 World Cup campaign to an end. The cafeteros bowed out on Tuesday in the round of 16, earlier than they had hoped, but they left a positive impression, playing good football, confirming some qualities and revealing others. It is in this context that Gustavo Puerta, the 22-year-old Racing Santander midfielder, comes into the picture.

He started all five matches played by Néstor Lorenzo’s side and was substituted only once, in the very first game. Beyond the great physical intensity he showed, he also left excellent signs, to the point of pushing Benfica’s Richard Ríos onto the bench.

At 22, as might be expected, he has started to attract attention on the international market. Before the World Cup, he had already been linked with FC Porto, a rumor that has gathered strength again in recent days. It was even reported that talks existed between the Dragons and Racing, but, according to what A BOLA has learned, the situation is different. According to the information gathered by our newspaper, Puerta’s name — he is said to be valued at €16 million — was suggested to Porto’s SAD as an option to strengthen midfield, but the club’s structure decided not to move forward with any negotiations.

FC Porto are indeed looking for a midfielder in the market, but they are still assessing other names and different profiles — Caleb Yirenkyi has been identified, although Nordsjaelland’s demands are unaffordable. The national champions’ intention is to sign a player capable of competing with Froholdt for a place in the starting XI, a role that requires very specific characteristics. The assessment continues…

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.